Power outages are a pain in the (euphemism).

Even a short power outage can damage sensitive equipment, cause data loss, and interrupt daily routines.

Any outage lasting more than an hour becomes a significant problem.

  • The clock starts ticking on food safety in your refrigerator. Generally, a refrigerator will keep food safe for up to 4 hours if the door remains closed.
  • No electricity, no internet. How will you binge-watch your favorite shows?
  • No power, no way to recharge your phone. How will you stay connected?
  • No electricity means no air conditioning. This can be dangerous during extreme heat.
  • Gas pumps won’t work. You won’t be able to refill your car or generator.
  • And on it goes.

So, what are the leading causes of power outages in Southern California, and how can you protect yourself against them?

1. Extreme Weather

  • Strong winds can snap power lines. Notorious wind corridors include the 1-15 and 1–10 freeways, the Santa Ana Mountains, the San Gabriel Mountains, and the Cajon Pass.
  • Electrical equipment, including transformers and substations, is particularly vulnerable to lightning strikes during thunderstorms.
  • The high demand for air conditioning places a heavy load on the electrical grid, resulting in brownouts during heat waves.
  • Heavy rainstorms can knock out power lines and flood underground electrical equipment.

2. Equipment Failure

Parts of Southern California’s electrical grid have been in service for decades.

  • Aging transformers are more prone to breakdowns.
  • Outdated substations can fail, leading to widespread outages.
  • Long-term exposure to the elements can corrode power lines and other equipment.
  • Faulty wiring in older buildings can also trigger equipment failure.

3. Trees & Vegetation

Southern California is known for its palm trees, but non-native eucalyptus trees cause the most problems. These tall, fast-growing trees with shallow roots are liable to fall onto power lines during strong winds or heavy rainstorms.

  • Overgrown trees and vegetation near power lines can create hazards during strong winds or storms.
  • Tree branches falling on power lines are a common source of outages.
  • Southern California Edison regularly trims trees along its power lines to prevent these issues, but it’s an ongoing battle.

4. Vehicle Accidents

  • Drunk or distracted drivers can plow into utility poles and electrical equipment.
  • Large trucks on highways can snag and snap overhead power lines.
  • Inexperienced drivers navigating narrow streets may not have the skills to avoid hitting utility poles or boxes.

5. Wildlife

  • Overhead power lines are an attractive place for birds and other animals to perch.
  • Squirrels, raccoons, and possums have caused outages by chewing through wires or getting electrocuted on equipment.
  • Utility companies install animal guards on power lines to prevent these outages and regularly inspect for potential hazards.

6. Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS)

Southern California Edison may shut off power to certain areas for a few hours to a few days to prevent wildfires sparked by electrical equipment. This can impact thousands of residents and businesses.

  • High winds, dry conditions, and low humidity contribute to the decision to initiate a PSPS.
  • These shutoffs can last for days, leaving communities without power for essential services like hospitals and emergency response teams.

7. High Energy Demand

Intense heat waves have a significant impact on power infrastructure.

  • High temperatures spike air conditioning use, placing a heavy demand on the electrical grid.
  • Prolonged heat can overheat transformers and other equipment.
  • Operators may implement rolling blackouts as a load management strategy to prevent this.

8. Earthquakes

Southern California experiences between 10 and 12 earthquakes of magnitude 4.0 or greater yearly.

  • These natural disasters can ravage power lines and other electrical equipment.
  • Older buildings with outdated wiring are at a higher risk for fires during earthquakes, which can also disrupt power supply.

9. Construction & Excavations

Digging without proper planning can lead to accidental damage to underground utilities. Common culprits are:

  • Construction projects hitting underground power lines.
  • Homeowners digging without checking for buried cables.
  • Landscaping companies cutting through electrical lines.

Before any excavation work, always call 811 to locate and mark underground utilities.

10. Scheduled Maintenance

Southern California Edison periodically shuts off power for routine maintenance:

  • Upgrading power lines.
  • Replacing old transformers.
  • Routine inspections and repairs.

These outages are necessary for long-term reliability. Check your utility company’s schedule to stay informed about planned maintenance in your area.

Protecting Yourself Against Outages

Knowing the causes is half the battle; here’s how to protect yourself:

  • Keep an emergency kit with flashlights, batteries, and non-perishable food.
  • Install surge protectors to safeguard your electronics.
  • Consider investing in a backup generator or UPS backup battery system. A UPS system will protect your delicate electronics; a generator won’t.
  • Regularly trim trees and vegetation near power lines on your property.
  • Have a plan for staying cool during heat waves without air conditioning.
  • Stay informed about potential outages in your area via your utility company’s website or social media channels.

Staying prepared can make outages less stressful and more manageable.

FAQs: Reasons for Power Outages

Q: How can I stay informed about power outages?

  • Sign up for alerts from your utility company.
  • Use apps that track outages in real time.
  • Follow local news and weather reports.

Q: What should I do during a power outage?

  • Stay calm and check your circuit breaker.
  • Report the outage to your utility provider.
  • Use battery-operated devices to stay informed.

Q: Can I prevent power outages at home?

  • Regularly maintain your electrical system.
  • Trim trees near power lines.
  • Avoid overloading circuits.

Q: What types of backup power options are available for homes?

These include portable generators, standby generators, and uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems. Portable generators can power essential appliances during an outage, while standby generators automatically provide electricity to the entire house. UPS systems will keep electronics like computers running during brief outages.

Q: How does Southern California Edison decide when to implement a PSPS?

Southern California Edison will consider weather conditions like high winds and low humidity, the forecasted fire risk, and input from experts and emergency responders. Their goal is to prevent wildfires that downed power lines could ignite.

Q: Why do transformers overheat, and how can this be prevented?

Transformers can overheat due to excessive electrical load, especially during periods of high energy demand. Prolonged high temperatures can exacerbate this issue. Utility companies may perform regular maintenance, upgrade aging equipment, and use load management strategies like rolling blackouts to prevent overheating.

Q: What should I have in my emergency kit for a power outage?

An emergency kit should include a flashlight, extra batteries, a battery-operated radio, non-perishable food, bottled water, a first-aid kit, backup chargers for mobile devices, and necessary medications.